Andean FlamingoPhoenicoparrus andinus

Andean Flamingo is one of the two flamingos in the genus Phenicoparrus. They are distinguished from other flamingos (Phoenicopterus) by their deep lower mandible, and very long filtering filaments on the maxilla. Andean Flamingo is the largest of the three flamingos of the Andes. It has yellow legs as an adult, and a large black triangle on the rear parts which helps to separate it from the other species. It breeds colonially on high Andean alkaline lakes in Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina, most above 3000 m in elevation. The species is largely restricted to similar habitats in the non-breeding period although some venture to the lowlands of the Argentine Chaco, spending time at Laguna Mar Chiquita. Breeding rates are consistently low, and it is estimated that the species suffered a population decline between the 70s and 90s, present estimates are that only 38,000-39,000 individuals exist, making this the rarest species of flamingo. Accordingly, Andean Flamingo is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

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